Stemming from the prison camp’s of Joesph Stalin - the Vory v Zakone have grown into one of the most influencial criminal organizations in Russia.

The members follow a strict code of rules and came to power in the criminal world by opposing the strict Russian government.

Michael Schwirtz of the New Times reports on a recent raid in an attempt to capture elite members of the Vory.

MOSCOW — It is unclear why they gathered. A police statement said it was to discuss “escalating problems of the criminal world.” Some insiders spoke of a conflict between Moscow crime bosses and of a looming underworld war reminiscent of the bloody battles of a decade ago.

Whatever the reason, when leaders of Russia’s criminal elite convened on a yacht in the Moscow River recently, the police moved swiftly to stop the meeting.

In black masks, with weapons drawn, commandos pounced from a hovering helicopter onto the roof of the yacht, starting a media frenzy when they briefly detained 37 men known here as Vory v Zakone or “thieves-in-law.”

Vory must have no ties to the government, he said, meaning they cannot serve in the army or cooperate with officials while in prison. They must have served several jail sentences before they can qualify. They should not marry.